Confessions of a DS2 user

  • Thread starter Thread starter MDT
  • 55 comments
  • 2,385 views
Just after I finished getting 100% and all Gold in GT3 I bought the DF wheel. It took a little getting used to. I did end up finding out though that i is impossible to drive as fast as with the ds2. This is because all of the Driving force wheels have a flaw with the braking circuitry. You can only get about 60% braking which if you watch the replay with braking telemetry on you can see. There is how ever an easy fix. I found a web site with fix. Anyway I am playing GT4 with it now and I wouldn't trade that wheel for the ds2 ever. I built a console that fits into just about any couch. It allows the wheel to be clamped down and the pedals to be comfortably planted on the floor. It was easy to build and i is easy to set up and put away. if any one wants a pic to make there own let me know and if you own a DF and want to fix the brakes i can get the web site for you.
👍
 
Wrapping up GT3 with a DS2 and about 60% into GT4 with a DS2...

I'm fixing to buy a wheel this week, and I was planning on getting the regular DF and not the DFP - the reviews and such that I've read indicate the only advantage to the DFP over the DF is the 900 degree rotation and more force feedback.

For the money, I wasn't convinced that it was worth it - I can't see too many situations where I would really need 900 degrees, and I'm sure the FF for the DF is more than adaquate.

However, this was the first time I've heard about a braking circuit problem with the DF - has anybody else experienced this?

So, any opinions regarding DFP vs. DF? Anybody use both in both games (3 &/or 4) and can offer me up a reason to spend the extra cash for the DFP?

Thanks,

UMP
 
I'll tell you what makes the DFP worth it in my book - the stick shift on the side. I never liked the paddles on my Momo. If you've got a lot of lock turned in, it's hard to reach them and remember which one is which. With the DFP the shifter stays fixed and you just reach your fingertips over and poke it one. Plus if you're a Brit you can re-mount it on the left hand side.

You can always turn off the 900d rotation if you don't like it, but you rarely turn more than 120d in either direction under race conditions anyway.
 
Anyone remember the old NeGcon controller? I thought it was the perfect compromise between analog sticks and a full-fledged wheel. I loved it with the original Need For Speed, and I think it worked with the first GT as well, but eventually they stopped making new games that supported it. :(

I now have a Logitech Wingman Formula Force GP that works with both the PC (I can't imagine Racer or Live For Speed without it) and the Playstation, but I haven't had room to set it up again since getting GT4.
 
Duke
<snip> I never liked the paddles on my Momo.<snip>
Click to expand...

Wasn't even thinking about the Momo - I'm really only interested in the Logitech Driving Force or the Driving Force Pro.

Is the extra $100 worth it for the Pro version over the regular version?
 
bwc1976
Anyone remember the old NeGcon controller?

I now have a Logitech Wingman Formula Force GP that works with both the PC (I can't imagine Racer or Live For Speed without it) and the Playstation, but I haven't had room to set it up again since getting GT4.
Click to expand...

I don't remember that controler, but I do remember (and still have) a crazy old flight yoke (not even from a reputable company if I remember, I'd have to look) - but it worked GREAT for IndyCar II.

BTW - If anybody owns that game and can still get to the manual, check out the tuning tips in that book. *Very* detailed, it's too bad that GT doesn't offer tire tempuratures for Inside/Middle/Outside of your tires - that information was vital for tuning an IndyCar. I'm sure the same theories can be applied to GT using an overall tire temp, but IndyCar gave you exact degrees of heat for all three parts of your tire, sure could use that about now... :ouch:
 
MDT
Umm...my Mad Catz 2 has force feedback.....not outrageously strong, but its there.

Zardoz, a question.
Are any of the wheel adjustment settings in the options of GT4 effective on the MC2?
I was wondering if the deadzone can be even further tweaked with the one option that doesn't refer to the DF wheels.
Click to expand...

The FF in the MC2 is just a rumble thing. Some weights spin around when you go over some bumpy surfaces and create a little vibration. It isn't really FF.

Interesting thought about the in-game option. Never even looked at it. Thanks for the heads up. I'll check it out and see if it does anything.
 
Ursa_Major_Prim
Wasn't even thinking about the Momo - I'm really only interested in the Logitech Driving Force or the Driving Force Pro.

Is the extra $100 worth it for the Pro version over the regular version?
Click to expand...
As far as I know, the Driving Force has a similar paddle-shift setup rather than a stick shift like the DFP. That's why I told you I didn't like it on the Momo. I was never happy fumbling for the shifters under high-lock conditions.

Amazon has the DFP for US$105, which is US$50 more than the regular Driving Force. To me it's well worth that additional price.
 
DFP transports the game to a whole new gaming experience (even with GT3)!

And the feeling is more incredible (in fact in the top!) if you fit a normal steering wheel like this one:



I love this set-up! it is the best videogame I've ever played! :) :dopey: :dunce: :crazy:
 
You mean to tell me that Logitech didn't mount the paddles to the steering wheel on either of their DF models?!?

What genius came up with that idea?

The paddles should be at your fingertips at all times...


<sigh> Another brilliant concept down the tubes...


UMP
 
Ursa_Major_Prim
You mean to tell me that Logitech didn't mount the paddles to the steering wheel on either of their DF models?!?
Click to expand...

YES, the paddles are mounted on the back of the wheel (on the Logitech Momo Force; I don't know about the DF for sure but I believe they are large pushbuttons in the backs of the steering wheel arms.

My point is that when you have more than about 90 degrees of lock input, it takes a moment of thought to remember which paddle is UP and which is DOWN. That moment of thought can be distracting at times. Perhaps it's only distracting to me though; I'm beginning to doubt my intelligence since I'm having such a difficult time conveying such a simple concept.
 
Duke
YES, the paddles are mounted on the back of the wheel (on the Logitech Momo Force; I don't know about the DF for sure but I believe they are large pushbuttons in the backs of the steering wheel arms.

My point is that when you have more than about 90 degrees of lock input, it takes a moment of thought to remember which paddle is UP and which is DOWN. That moment of thought can be distracting at times. Perhaps it's only distracting to me though; I'm beginning to doubt my intelligence since I'm having such a difficult time conveying such a simple concept.
Click to expand...

I haven't tried the DFP but I own the DF. I don't think you need all that rotation for Gt4 unless you plan on paralell parking. Besides most race cars don't even have more than one rotation in the steering wheel. As for the stick shift I have to admit it sounds like an asset to me but If you want to save money don't worry about it. Just go ahead with the DF You're gauranteed to enjoy it. Just make sure you're getting full braking. You can check by looking at the brake telemetry in the replay on GT3 an on the in car view in GT4. If you dont get it you'll have to do a minor mod to the prdal assy. Look up the fix on sandsmuseum.com

Lets not forget. If you pay half for the wheel you can buy two to race head to head. 💡
Ps drive two footed. You'll be faster switching fro mgas to brake
 
mccfowler
Just go ahead with the DF You're gauranteed to enjoy it.
Click to expand...
I can confirm that. I don't own a wheel and was stuck at IA-15 (Nurburgring license test). I borrowed a DF from a friend and beat it in two tries. Then it took about 5 tries to nail the IA-16 license exam that everyone seems to complain about. GT4 was clearly designed for a wheel.

I was not impressed with how clunky/fragile the wheel felt, nor with how unbelievably unrealistic the force feedback felt compared to a real car. But for $50 (or $0.00 in my case) I can't really complain.

Is there a way to turn off the force feedback?

P.S.: For DS2 fans (not sure about wheels)... I just found (and bought) at Fry's a $9.99 adapter that allows using PS2 controllers on a PC. I assume the other computer stores have them too.
 
I managed to get my S license with a DS2 but only at bronze - so I'm hoping the wheel will help stabilize my steering to the point of being able to get gold.

Thanks for the advice on the 2-footed driving, I was wondering about that the last couple days as I pop back and forth from gas 2 brake in a Formula 1...

Think I'll go with the DF and not the DFP, haven't seen anything that really tells me it's that much better (except the force feedback, apparently it really stands out in GT4)

I'll make sure to check the brake telemetry, and also thanks for the heads up on the PC adaptor, that's the only thing that made me consider getting the Thrustmaster wheel...

Thanks 2 everybody for their advice/replies - good racing 2 u all!

UMP
 
I'm a chef, and cut my left thumb today, not bad, but bad enough that I can't drive effectively at ALL with a DS2 - good thing I'm getting that wheel tomorrow!
 
Ursa_Major_Prim
I'm a chef, and cut my left thumb today, not bad, but bad enough that I can't drive effectively at ALL with a DS2 - good thing I'm getting that wheel tomorrow!
Click to expand...
Hey!
I'm a chef as well!
A sous-chef to be exact.
Car racing and fine cuisine....I sense a "fast food" joke here somewhere.

(tough break on the cut....but I'd take a cut over a burn anytime)
 
So is boombexus, and he's mighty fast.
 
In my mind, there is nothing wrong with Dual Shock 2. Yes sure, the game may be designed to use the DFP, but the plastation 2 was designed for use with the DS2.

GT4 on PS2 with DS2. Im on 65% with the DS2.
 
Ursa_Major_Prim
thanks for the heads up on the PC adaptor, that's the only thing that made me consider getting the Thrustmaster wheel..
Click to expand...
Caution: Make sure you test before you buy or that you can return the product... I only saw the DS2 connected to the PC, I did not see a wheel connected. I have not seen or tested the wheel with the PC - it probably all depends on how well the wheel behaves like a DS2.
 
MDT
Hey!
I'm a chef as well!
A sous-chef to be exact.
Car racing and fine cuisine....I sense a "fast food" joke here somewhere.

(tough break on the cut....but I'd take a cut over a burn anytime)
Click to expand...


Absolutely! Burns suck worse than just about anything (unless of course you lop off an entire digit!)

I can't claim any actual 'Chef' titles, professionaly I suppose you'd call me a 'cook' - but in my private life I prepare meals for people in their homes as private 'Chef'. (either way, I'm good w/food 👍 )

We should get all the chef/cooks together somewhere and have a "Fast Food Forum" (to bad there aren't any Ferraris in the game, the alliteration for that would have worked wonders)

zPheonix
Caution: Make sure you test before you buy or that you can return the product... I only saw the DS2 connected to the PC, I did not see a wheel connected. I have not seen or tested the wheel with the PC - it probably all depends on how well the wheel behaves like a DS2.
Click to expand...

Well I play enough stuff on my PC that I wouldn't mind being able to use a DS2, so even if the wheel doesn't work, the DS2 would be great - and I don't do too much PC racing, though IndayCar II rocked, so maybe I'll get the latest version of that...)
 
mrplo
In my mind, there is nothing wrong with Dual Shock 2. Yes sure, the game may be designed to use the DFP, but the plastation 2 was designed for use with the DS2.

GT4 on PS2 with DS2. Im on 65% with the DS2.
Click to expand...


I'm up to about 65% myself with a DS2 and smoked GT3 with one, but now my thumb hurts and I want to RACE!
 
I have 100,000 A-Spec points, 100% complete and 80 Golds with the DS2. BUT, I am thinking of getting a wheel because I have done some serious damage to my thumb using the DS2. I had to take almost a month off (got some serious B-Specing done though) and that's what has made me think the wheel might be worth it if for nothing else my health.
 
I just got the DFP wheel about a week ago, and haven't gotten to use it too much (as I have some columns due), but I love it. I had to basically relearn the game (and am still relearning it, as I don't win as many races), but it's great. I mounted mine to my poker table and take it off after each session because I have a one-year-old who likes getting into everything I'm doing. Honestly, I don't want to go back to the DS2, but will if forced to. The wheel makes the game that much more realistic and exciting. Just be prepared, as you won't do as well right out of the box.
 
Hey - didn't somebody post a URL for the braking problem fix? I swear I saw it last night, but now it's gone...did it have to be edited out?

I just picked up the DF - and I tested the DFP, it was alright, but I like the DF better...
 
Bauknin
I just got the DFP wheel about a week ago, and haven't gotten to use it too much (as I have some columns due), but I love it. I had to basically relearn the game (and am still relearning it, as I don't win as many races), but it's great.<snip> Honestly, I don't want to go back to the DS2, but will if forced to. The wheel makes the game that much more realistic and exciting. Just be prepared, as you won't do as well right out of the box.
Click to expand...

I agree, right out of the box I felt like a noob to the game, even though I know how to break, stay wide, turn, etc. But after a bit I've gotten the hang of it - I can at least qualify in 1st with a Formula 1, having trouble winning consistently still with the wheel, but having fun nevertheless, I love my new DF. But due to the braking problem with GT3, looks like I'll have to finish that game with a DS2, I don't have the equipment to make the electrical mod, and don't really wanna jack up my new wheel in case I screw it up anyway.

One thing I'd like to add about he difference between the DF and the DFP - I much prefer the button placement on the DF, but the carpet stop on the DFP pedals is far superior to the DF.

UMP
 

Latest Posts

Back